Emanuel (Manny) Joseph Monopoli, age 99, died February 21, 2021 in Melbourne Florida. Manny was born in Scranton Pennsylvania on DECEMBER 24, 1921, son to Antonio and Anna (Filomena) Monopoli. He was one of 11 children who survived to adulthood, Vito, Matthew, Sante’, Salvatore, Mary, Anthony, Ann, Margaret, Daniel and Frank. Manny was the last surviving sibling. Manny and his 7 brothers all served in the military in various capacities from World War II through the Vietnam War. Manny served as a seaman and ship barber on the USS Essex (CV-9) during his active duty in WWII. After the war, Manny married, moved with his family to Connecticut and lived in Milford, Shelton, and Meriden, before residing in Melbourne FL.
Manny went on to a nearly uninterrupted 60+ year career as a licensed barber, a trade which started during his time in the 1930’s while in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Chaco Canyon New Mexico and Montana, through World War II and up until the mid 1990’s when he retired. For a handful of years, he also worked as a mason while residing in Milford in the 1960’s.
Throughout his adult life, Manny was an active member of the Knights of Columbus in Milford CT, the Antique Veterans Organization in Meriden CT, an active volunteer with the Collaborative Care group at the Franciscan Center also in Meriden, and was an annual attendee at USS Essex, (CV-9) reunion celebrations. He was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed passing the time watching the NY Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays. His love of family and food came through in everything he did.
Manny is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (DeSando) Monopoli of Melbourne Florida, three sons and their spouses, Anthony Monopoli and Cheryl Tobey of Rincon Ga, Michael Monopoli and Judy Grabowski of Melbourne FL, and James and Tracy Monopoli of Dunedin FL. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Cory, Emma, Kate, Josh, Meredith, Michael and Chelsea, several great grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews and 2 sister-in-laws.
Manny’s remains will be cremated and a memorial service will be planned later in 2021. Donations in lieu of flowers or gifts can be made to: Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, 405 Allen Avenue, Meriden, CT 06451.
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